Datasheet

Chapter 1 • Navigating the Civil 3D User Interface
2
Getting to Know the Civil 3D User Interface
To begin learning about the Civil 3D environment, let’s take our 747 analogy
down a notch and think about this as learning to drive an automobile. When
your parents first sat you down at the wheel and talked about the car’s controls,
they probably didn’t mention the air conditioning or the radio. Those, of course,
are important parts of the driving experience, but I’m betting they started with
the most important parts, such as the steering wheel, the gas pedal, and most
importantly, the brake pedal. We’re going to approach your first experience with
“driving” Civil 3D in much the same manner.
There are many, many parts to the Civil 3D user interface. For the purposes of
this book, I’ll cover just the ones that will be most important in enabling you to
navigate the software effectively. Figure 1.1 shows the major components of the
user interface.
Application
Menu
Ribbon
ToolspaceCommand
Line
Drawing
Area
Inquiry Tool
Transparent
Commands
Toolbar
Panorama
FIGURE 1.1 Major components of the Civil 3D user interface
Application Menu The place where everyday file handling commands can be
found that enable you to open, save, and print your drawings
Ribbon The place where most Civil 3D commands are launched
Certification
Objective